Pollen Systems, a Seattle-based ag-tech startup founded in 2017, has recently raised $2.4 million in new capital and hired nine new employees, including sales directors for Spain, Peru, Singapore, and Southeast Asia. The company utilizes artificial intelligence to assist farmers in managing high-value crops such as apples, avocados, blueberries, cannabis, cherries, citrus fruit, nuts, raspberries, rice, soybeans, and wine grapes. By using drones to collect aerial imagery and employing visual AI to assess crop health at the individual plant level, Pollen Systems offers tailored management plans for different crops, providing services such as monitoring irrigation needs, pest detection, heat stress monitoring, and harvest yield predictions for wine grapes.
With new funding, Pollen Systems now boasts a value of $24 million, according to a quarterly newsletter from the company. Operating in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Spain, the startup has plans to expand into 10 new countries in the upcoming year, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Rwanda. Additionally, Pollen Systems aims to establish new local subsidiaries abroad and penetrate new sectors like the paper industry, sugarcane, and coffee. The company’s competition in the ag-tech space includes SemiosBio Tech in nearby Vancouver, Ceres Imaging, and Taranis.
Pollen Systems’ CEO and founder, Keith McCall, a former executive at Microsoft, leads the efforts of the company, specializing in agricultural technology solutions. By leveraging drones and AI technology, Pollen Systems offers innovative solutions to enhance crop management practices and maximize yield potential. With a focus on providing tailored services for various high-value crops, including wine grapes, the company assists farmers in optimizing irrigation practices, pest management, and harvest yield projections throughout the growing season.
The utilization of drones and AI technology allows Pollen Systems to collect detailed aerial imagery and assess crop health down to the individual plant and tree level. This high-resolution data enables the company to provide targeted recommendations for specific crops, helping farmers make informed decisions to optimize their production. By expanding into new markets and sectors, Pollen Systems aims to further establish its presence in the ag-tech industry and continue developing cutting-edge technologies to support agricultural practices worldwide.
With a growing team of employees and new sales directors in key regions, Pollen Systems is poised for expansion and innovation in the ag-tech sector. By offering specialized services for a wide range of high-value crops and utilizing advanced technology solutions, the company is well-positioned to assist farmers in maximizing their crop yields and improving overall agricultural practices. As the company continues to expand into new markets and sectors, Pollen Systems is demonstrating its commitment to providing innovative solutions for farmers worldwide.
